National Kidney Month
National Kidney Month - March
Have you ever stopped to think about your Kidneys? Or the work that they do?
Last year I attended a seminar called “The Kidney: The Forgotten Organ”. This seminar talked about the importance of recognising kidney function decline and why this matters.
“Kidney Disease is either a cause, associated with or contributed to the acceleration of other comorbid conditions”.
Kidney disease is on the rise. It is often associated with Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease as it can be a complication of these conditions. But it is also associated with Dementia, Depression, Anaemia and Sarcopenia. Menopause is another issue that can influence renal decline.
As always, the gut is connected to the kidney, because if you have chronic kidney disease your gut wall and your microbiome experience negative changes. On the other hand, if you have gut issues and you are not able to effectively clear toxins then you are overloading the function of the kidneys.
Chronic Kidney Disease sounds like a big diagnosis but it has 5 stages.
eGFR filtration rate
Stage 1 >90
Stage 2 60-89
Stage 3a 45-59
Stage 3b 30-44
Stage 4 15-29
Stage 5 <15 or on dialysis
Stages 1 & 2 are often seen alongside Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Obesity and Smokers. Once you get to stage 3 and onwards there will be other comorbidities to deal with as well.
Whilst there is genetics involved in some cases of kidney disease, much of it can be prevented along with lifestyle changes such as those recommended with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. You should be taking note of your kidney function when you have your yearly tests. If there is any decline in your filtration rate, then it’s time to make some changes. Changes in this rate are not always monitored by your GP, as it can be a bit like diabetes, they can only react when you have the disease otherwise, they often say to improve your diet and exercise. Both are important but the emphasis on why is not always obvious.
Prevention of kidney disease is influenced by:
Diet - ensuring that you are getting enough nutrients for optimal organ function.
Exercise – helps to improve lymphatic flow and removal of toxins!
Reducing stress – helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Improving sleep – helps to improve mood, and energy and reduce inflammation.
Monitoring your toxic load – reducing your environmental exposures helps reduce the workload on your kidneys.
Watching someone with kidney disease has made me realise the importance of catching this condition early. We didn’t realise Dad had it until he was at Stage 3b, that is because the doctors hadn’t mentioned it, or my dad hadn’t understood what it was. It wasn’t until I started going to his appointments that I learned of it.
This is why it is important that you follow up on your blood tests and look at any changes from the previous ones. Often clients tell me that the GP said everything was fine when the tests show suboptimal ranges or the beginning of a condition. Take responsibility for your own results and ask more questions. If you are still unsure find someone that can interpret these results for you.